University student under investigation over offensive post vs Robredo

A student from the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City faces possible sanctions after posting indecent comments to Vice President Leni Robredo on Facebook.

He was identified as Johnrey Apellido, 21, from Talisay City, a freshman, taking up information technology at USLS, a Catholic private university run by the De La Salle Brothers. The school launched a thorough investigation on the matter, which they considered “alarming” and “upsetting many,” including their alumni.

Although he (Apellido) is saying that he did not make the comment, which was allegedly put together by another person, he is not entirely free or spared from the responsibility of having participated by making similar comments, which is not remote, as can be surmised from the kind of personal photos he puts on his FB account,

said USLS’s office of the chancellor for academic affairs in a statement on Monday.

We are doing our best to correct such behavior without condemning the one who has erred; the process of finding out is still ongoing. We appeal for your patience and understanding even as we continue to undertake measures to resolve this matter,

it added.

The Facebook post urged President Rodrigo Duterte to have sex with Robredo so she can be enlightened because her supposed lack of it has made her stupid.

The post was accompanied by a photo of Apellido flashing a dirty finger and identifying himself as a “Diehard Duterte Supporter.”

On Sunday, Apellido posted an apology on his Facebook account to all those “who were offended or insulted, especially Vice President Robredo.”

I realized the value of being extra tactful and prudent in everything that I do and of safeguarding my social media account. I am a son to my mother and a brother to my sisters and I understand the Vice President could have felt when the post went viral and for that, I am deeply sorry,

he said.

I am hoping that I can still be afforded the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Together with my family, I hope that this controversy will be cleared soon,

he added.

The controversy, Apellido said, created a tremendous impact on his family, Vice President Robredo, and her loved ones as well as the university.

He said he had been criticized by fellow students, the public, and even by the USLS alumni, which have affected him emotionally and psychologically these past days.

I am deeply sorry for everyone who was offended or insulted, especially for VP Leni, by the malicious remarks. I commit to participate in the ongoing investigation conducted by the university to determine the truthfulness of the Facebook post that is credited to me,

Apellido said.

In her Twitter account, Robredo responded that she was not directly affected by Apellido’s comments.

On Nov. 30, 2020, she said the indecent post against her on the Facebook wall of a USLS student will not diminish her as a person, but will affect Apellido’s family and the leader he idolizes.